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A new year begins

January as ever is always off to a flying start as Celtic Connections, ‘Glasgow’s annual folk, roots and world music festival, which celebrates Celtic music and its connections to cultures across the globe’ runs till From 14 – 31 January 2016. 2,100 musicians from around the world descend on Glasgow and bring the city to life for 18 days of concerts, ceilidhs, talks, art exhibitions, workshops, and free events.

On Wednesday passed I travelled over Glasgow to rehearse and perform with The Chieftains for a gig marking the 100 year anniversary of the Easter Rising in Ireland. We were joined by singers Declan O’Rourke, Karan Casey, Eddi Reader, fiddler John Sheahan and orchestra with additional special guests, the Glasgow Gaelic Music Association and Findlay Macdonald and pipers. It all took place in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and it was an amazing night.

Our conductor turned out to be Robert Baxter, who I was at college with which was a nice reunion and our very, very special guest was Kris Kristofferson. Yep I’ll write that again – Kris Kristofferson. He was fantastic. He has written such incredible songs and the reception he got from the Glasgow audience was so warm. I was thrilled to sing ‘Help me make it through the night’ with him. It is an evening I will never forget. I am still pinching myself. I don’t think 2016 could have begun much better really.

I’m heading back over to Celtic Connections next Friday as my husband’s band ‘Moving Hearts‘ are playing. They are a very exciting band to go see.

Next month I’m heading off on tour with The Chieftains for their annual spring American tour and before you know it, it’ll be Easter! Well hopefully not quite that quickly but if you’re like me, you’ll feel time seems to fly by.

I will be posting all upcoming dates here soon.

Hope you’re all well and maybe see you along the way.

Alyth x

One Response to A new year begins

I was delighted to meet up with you in Glasgow after the concert. You are such an inspiration and a wonderful performer. The whole concert was great and Willie and I enjoyed it so much. As a result of meeting up with you I am trying to get back to my singing and have learned a Len Graham song which I like. Even if I only manage to sing in the house you have given me the nudge to get started so I thank you Alyth. Good luck with the American tour, I am sure it will be a great success
Love Monica.